Funeral of Former Chesterfield MP Tony Benn

Friends family and supporters from the world of politics gathered to pay tribute to the former Chesterfield MP Tony Benn at his funeral today in Westminster. One mourner described him as a man who had inspired ideas humour and hope for generations.

Devoted crowds are waiting outside in Westminster as the funeral service of former Labour cabinet minister Tony Benn gets underway.

One banner describes the left-wing MP as "truly irreplacable", while another calls him "our Tony Benn".

Tony Benn's coffin arrived in Westminster tonight as he made his final visit to Parliament.

The former Labour cabinet minister's body lay in rest in Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, as family gathered round for a private ceremony to mark his death.

His children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua were among around 30 close relatives who attended the service conducted by the Speaker of the House of Commons' Chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin in the crypt chapel.

The chapel has been also been briefly opened up to MPs, peers and passholders to allow them to pay their respects ahead of tomorrow's funeral.

Mr Benn's funeral will take place tomorrow at 11am opposite parliament at St Margaret's Church after his coffin is taken by hearse from the gates of New Palace Yard, with family members following on foot.

A memorial meeting will be held later in the year.

Figures from across political divide have arrived in Westminster for the funeral service of Tony Benn.

Mr Benn's coffin arrived at St Margaret's Church to applause and some tears as politicians and activists made up the amassed crowds.

Arthur Scargill, Rory Bremner, Lord Heseltine, Gerry Adams and Andrew Mitchell are among those at the ceremony, ITV News' Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen reports.

Read: Hundreds honour Tony Benn at his funeral in Westminster

The friends and family of former Chesterfield MP, Tony Benn, are preparing to say their final goodbyes at his funeral later this morning.

A service for the long-serving Labour politician will be held at St Margaret's Church in Westminster at 11am.

It's expected he'll then be buried at his family estate in Essex.

Former Labour minister Tony Benn will be laid to rest today after a funeral held opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Read: Tony Benn's body to lie in Westminster Hall

Read: Tony Benn: A towering figure who never wavered

The father-of-four will be remembered in a service at St Margaret's Church during a service beginning at 11am.

His body will be taken by hearse from the gates of New Palace Yard, with family members following on foot.

The left wing politician, who died aged 88 earlier this month, was allowed to lie in Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft with MPs, peers and passholders allowed to pay their respects.

Read: Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn dies aged 88

Read: Tony Benn's coffin arrives in Westminster

A tribute to Labour politician Tony Benn will be held in the Commons today.

The former Chesterfield MP died at home last week aged 88. The Commons speaker has also asked the Queen if his body can rest in the parliamentary chapel overnight before his funeral.